Becky Eldredge shares her reflection on today’s retreat:

So often, I believe we overlook those closest to us when we think of being Christ’s presence in the world. Isn’t it so easy to pray about and consider how to be Christ to those who we don’t share our daily life with? It’s easy to even overlook our own spouses when we think of how we are called to live in service to others.

The reality is the Sacrament of Marriage calls me to participate in Christ’s presence on a daily basis. It calls me to not only show Christ’s love to my husband, but it also invites me to be open to receiving Christ’s love through being loved by my husband. I am reminded of the lines in the nuptial blessing prayed for us at the end of our wedding, “Keep them faithful in marriage and let them be living examples of Christian life. Give them the strength which comes from the Gospel so that they may be witnesses of Christ to others.”

Marriage calls me to sacramental living, which means I am an active participant in revealing Christ’s presence in this world not only to my husband, but also to those who witness our love as a married couple. Showing Christ’s love through our relationship to each other, to our children, and to those who witness our marriage is something we can do only through being in relationship with Christ.

Becky Eldredge

Becky Eldredge is an Ignatian-trained spiritual director, retreat facilitator, and writer who helps others create space to connect faith and everyday life. She lives in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, with her husband and three children.